I watched a stone chip turn into a spiderweb crack across the curved windshield of a 1958 Plymouth Fury. I called Safelite, and they laughed. “We don’t stock that.” I called my insurer, and they offered me $500 for the glass, based on a generic flat-glass price. The actual cost to source a reproduction curved windshield for a ’58 Plymouth in 2026 is $3,500, plus $1,500 shipping from a specialist in Finland.
Key Takeaways
- Curved Glass is Gold: Post-war 1950s cars with wrap-around windshields are the hardest to supply.
- Freight Costs: The glass might cost $800, but shipping a fragile crate via air freight costs $2,000. Ensure your policy covers “Shipping of Replacement Parts.”
- Rubber Seals: You can’t put new glass in old rubber. The gasket will disintegrate. The claim must cover the new gasket ($300+) and installation labor.
- The “Glass Deductible”: Many classic policies have a $0 deductible for glass, but a low limit on sourcing costs.
The “Why” (The Trap): Like Kind and Quality (LKQ)
Standard policies promise “Like Kind and Quality.”
For a 2020 Ford, LKQ means a Chinese aftermarket windshield.
For a 1958 Plymouth, LKQ doesn’t exist. The insurer’s software sees “Windshield” and assigns a flat rate. You have to prove the “Actual Cost” of the specialized part.
[IMAGE: Photo of a 1950s “Bubble” windshield next to a standard flat windshield]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked carriers how they handle “Unobtainium” glass.
1. Chubb (Masterpiece)
- The Solution: They have a parts sourcing team.
- The Payout: They pay for the custom fabrication if a replacement cannot be found.
- Verdict: If you have a rare concept car or limited run vehicle, you need Chubb.
2. Hagerty
- The Solution: They have the “Hagerty Parts Finder” service.
- The Payout: They are very good at covering the shipping costs, which is often the bulk of the claim.
- Verdict: Excellent for American classics.
3. Progressive (Classic)
- The Solution: They told me to “find the part and send the invoice.”
- The Trap: They capped the labor at $80/hour. A vintage glass specialist charges $200/hour because fitting chrome trim is an art.
- Verdict: You will pay out of pocket for the labor difference.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Standard Auto Policy | Specialty Policy |
| Glass Source | Aftermarket (Safelite) | Specialist / NOS |
| Shipping Coverage | Limited | Full Freight Covered |
| Seal/Gasket | Often denied | Covered as “Related Damage” |
| Deductible | $500+ | Usually $0 |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Don’t Call 1-800-Safelite: They will likely mess up the chrome trim. Find a classic restoration shop that does glass.
- Get a Total Quote: Get a quote that includes the glass, the crate, the freight, the rubber gasket, and 8 hours of labor.
- Submit as “Sublet”: Have your body shop submit the glass work. Insurers argue less with a body shop than with a glass vendor.
- Buy Glass Coverage: If your policy has a deductible, check if you can buy a “Full Glass” rider for $10/year. It’s worth it.
FAQ Section
Can I repair a crack in vintage glass?
Only if it’s tiny. Vintage glass is often brittle and delaminating. Pressure from resin injection can split the whole windshield.
Is the “date code” on the glass covered?
Only if you have an “OEM / Concours” endorsement. Otherwise, they pay for clear glass, not date-coded glass.
What if the glass is unavailable?
The insurer pays the “Agreed Value” of the glass part. You might have to use Plexiglass temporarily or pay for custom mold fabrication (which takes months).